The success of a team often depends on how well it can dominate the line of scrimmage in a game. The edge rusher plays a crucial role in the defense in this regard. Their primary goal is to disrupt the offense’s passing game by applying extreme pressure on the quarterback, known as the pass rush.
Position of the Edge Rusher
Edge rushers position themselves at the outermost edge of the defensive formation, as they attempt to overcome the offense by attacking from the outside — hence the name “Edge Rusher.” In a 4-3 defense, the role of the edge rusher is typically performed by the defensive ends. In a 3-4 defense, it is the outside linebackers who function as edge rushers.
However, some players can fill both positions and switch between them. For example, Will Anderson Jr., the top edge rusher in the 2023 draft, played as an outside linebacker during his college career at Alabama. In the NFL, however, he now plays as a defensive end for the Houston Texans. Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys was officially an outside linebacker in the 2022 season but was frequently positioned as a defensive end on the defensive line. This shows that the role depends on the game situation and formation. For this reason, the term “EDGE” has become more commonly used for this type of player, as strictly labeling them as a defensive end or outside linebacker would be too limiting. Additionally, a debate has emerged about whether the edge rusher, also referred to as the edge defender, should be considered a distinct position altogether.
Key Characteristics
Speed and Explosiveness
Edge rushers are characterized by a fast start and explosive acceleration, enabling them to overcome offensive linemen with speed and reach the quarterback before he can throw the ball.
Hand/Arm Technique
Edge rushers must possess excellent hand and arm techniques to beat an offensive blocker. These techniques usually consist of a combination of different moves to shed the block of an offensive tackle, shake them off, or completely fend them off. Some of these moves include the swim move, rip move, or spin move.
Physical Flexibility and Agility
Good edge rushers can bend and lower their bodies during a change of direction, reducing their angles while maintaining balance and speed. This makes it significantly more difficult for offensive tackles to block them or even find a suitable point of attack against them.